World

New Zealand bans AUKUS submarines from entering Kiwi waters

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2021

New Zealand has reiterated their opposition to the idea of nuclear technology, banning the recently announced AUKUS submarine from entering Kiwi waters

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday that the new nuclear-powered submarines which will be partly-operated by Australia would not be allowed in its territorial waters.

The ban falls under New Zealand’s long standing nuclear-free policy, which was enacted in 1984.

On Thursday, the President of the United States Joe Biden along with the Prime Minister’s of the UK and Australia announced a major security partnership.

The Indo-Pacific deal will see America and Britain provide Australia with the tech it needs to develop and deploy nuclear-powered submarines.

“No vessels that are partially or fully powered by nuclear energy is able to enter our internal borders,”
The PM Of New Zealand Stated.

The New Zealand leader did however confirm that the new Indo-Pacific grouping does not change the security and intelligence ties of New Zealand – who remains a member of the Five Eyes – a post-war intelligence group that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada.

New Zeland’s Foreign Minister has stated that she was “uncomfortable” with expanding the nation’s role within Five Eyes. It sparked further criticism from Western allies who stated that NZ remains reluctant to at all criticise China, in fear of impacting current trade ties.

China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner.

Climate Change

Hurricane Ian could be Florida’s deadliest storm

Published

40 mins ago

September 30, 2022

William Howard

Hurricane Ian could be Florida’s deadliest storm as it continues north towards South Carolina

U.S. President Joe Biden says Hurricane Ian could be the deadliest storm in the region’s history, with early reports suggesting substantial loss of life.

Biden spoke at an afternoon briefing at the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).

Ian made landfall on Wednesday local time near the city of Fort Myers. It has led to severe flooding, high winds and storm surges.

Several areas remain submerged, and more than 2.5 million homes are without power.

Many residents are trapped in their homes and unable to escape. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock to provide assistance where they can.

5,000 Florida National Guard troops and 2,000 Guardsman from surrounding states have been deployed.

Eight teams with 800 members are carrying out search and rescue operations.

More than 200 public shelters have now been opened, housing around 34,000 people.

The National Hurricane Centre has downgraded Ian to a tropical storm for now but warns it will likely become a hurricane again later.

The entire coast of South Carolina is just the latest region to be placed on high alert as the storm continues north on its path of destruction.

World

Finland slams its borders shut on Russia

Published

2 hours ago

September 30, 2022

William Howard

Finland will officially closed its border to Russian tourists, marking the last of Moscow’s E-U neighbours to do so.

Finland will close its border with Russia as Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania also closed theirs.

The Finnish government made the decision following Vladimir Putin’s decision to call-up of 300,000 military reservists.

Queue’s at Russia’s border crossings with E-U nations were stretching for kilometres as people attempted to flee the country.

The closure of the border only applies to tourists – and Russians who are visiting family or travelling for work or study will still be granted entry.

The Finnish Foreign Minister stated that the decision was a difficult one to make, but ultimately it was in the best interest of the country.